Prophet Yusuf (Joseph)

Reflecting on Prophet Yusuf's story from beginning to end really nails the essence of tawakkul, or relying on God. In thinking about it, if Yusuf's brothers had not thrown him in the well, he wouldn't have become such an influential leader in Egypt in the end. His hardship at the beginning of the story is what actually lead to his very own success. Yet, throughout this hardship, Yusuf stayed patient, fully relying on God, not knowing what would happen of him, but at the same time, knowing that his God would never give him a hardship more than he can handle, and that God who is Merciful had a plan for him. That is true tawakkul, or reliance on God: Trusting that He will take care of you amidst your pain and worry. Sometimes we only see the big picture, which is the struggle we are facing, but we forget to trust that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The next time something bad happens to you, rather than looking at it as an obstacle, think of what palace it can lead you to, just as the well lead Yusuf there.